Weever Fish: A Guide to the Venomous Fish of British Waters
Weever fish are small, venomous fish found in the coastal waters around the UK and Europe. Known for their painful stings, it's important to be aware of their presence and know how to treat a sting.
What are Weever Fish?
Weever fish are typically small, reaching up to 15-37 cm in length. They are ray-finned fish belonging to the Trachinidae family. There are two main species in UK waters: the lesser weever and the greater weever. They are often brown in color and well-camouflaged, spending much of their time buried in the sand. Only their eyes and venomous dorsal spines are visible.
A weever fish camouflaged in the sand.
Habitat and Distribution
Weever fish are found in the eastern Atlantic, including the Mediterranean and the waters around the UK and Ireland. They prefer sandy or muddy sea bottoms, often in shallow waters, which increases the risk of encounters with humans, especially during the summer months.
The Danger of Weever Fish Stings
Weever fish have venomous spines on their dorsal fin and gill covers. When disturbed, they can inject a potent venom, causing intense pain. The lesser weever, found in shallower waters, is responsible for most stings.
- Symptoms of a Sting: The pain is often described as similar to a bee or wasp sting, but much more intense. It can feel like a burning sensation, with the pain potentially radiating up the limb. Other symptoms can include swelling, itching, numbness, redness, and in some cases, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and joint aches.
- Severity: While extremely painful, weever fish stings are rarely life-threatening. However, in rare cases, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur.
Treatment for Weever Fish Stings
If stung by a weever fish, prompt treatment is essential to manage the pain and prevent complications.
- Immerse in Hot Water: The most effective treatment is to immerse the affected area in water as hot as can be tolerated (but not scalding) for 30-90 minutes. This helps to break down the protein-based venom. Replace the hot water as it cools.
- Remove Spines: Carefully remove any spines that may be embedded in the skin using tweezers or a credit card.
- Clean the Wound: Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, and rinse with fresh water.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage the pain.
- Seek Medical Advice: If the pain is severe, doesn't subside, or if there are signs of infection or an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe swelling), seek immediate medical attention.
Prevention
- Wear Protective Footwear: When walking in shallow, sandy waters, wear beach shoes, sandals, or wetsuit boots to protect your feet.
- Shuffle Your Feet: When wading in shallow water, shuffle your feet to disturb the sand and scare away any weever fish.
- Be Aware of the Tides: Stings are more common around low tide, so be extra cautious during these times.
While weever fish stings can be a painful experience, understanding the risks and knowing how to treat them can help you enjoy the UK's beautiful coastlines safely.